Mass Effect 3 'N7 Challenge' this weekend, unlocks bonus weapons

Mass Effect 3 multiplayer takes the spotlight with the N7 Weekend Challenge beginning this evening. Grab you gear and prepare to kill some Reapers.

Electronic Arts is boasting 1800 years of multiplayer gameplay time in Mass Effect 3 so far. And that number is likely to go up even further thanks to a new promotion starting this weekend. Electronic Arts has announced the "N7 Challenge Weekend," starting today at 5PM PDT and going through Monday at 5AM PDT. The challenge will offer PC and Xbox 360 players some rewards from "Operation: Goliath":

To receive the unlocks, "any player who is part of a squad that beats the Reaper faction on Silver difficulty or better will unlock one Commendation Pack." So long as one member of a squad is extracted at the end of the mission, all squad members will receive the reward. "Each player can earn a maximum of one pack and each pack contains a random N7 Arsenal Weapon: (1) N7 Crusader Shotgun, (2) N7 Eagle Pistol, (3) N7 Hurricane SMG and (4) N7 Valiant Sniper Rifle."

Additionally, the community is being encouraged to kill as many brutes as possible. "If the multiplayer community kills a combined 1 MILLION brutes within the hours of the challenge, ALL players will receive a Victory Pack as a reward."

The only stipulation to the rewards is that they will unlock on Tuesday, March 20, at 5PM PDT, and you must claim them within seven days or lose them with no chance of restoration. Players must also have data tracking "on." If it is off, participation cannot be charted and rewards will not be given.

For some multiplayer tips and tricks, check out these new videos released by EA: